Imagine a world without technology readily available at the click of a button. Online bullying would be unheard of. Kids would grow up doing childish things like playing outdoors or joining sports teams. Things would be simple, and uncomplicated.
Many may argue that the dawn of the internet heralded a new age, an era of information and intellect. Technological innovations improved our lives. At what cost?
Social media has its advantages. People can share their memories and monetize their passions. But along with the good comes the bad.
After years of warnings from experts about social media’s negative impact on the mental health of younger generations, the world has finally taken notice.
Meta to Face the Music
The issue has come full circle in the Instagram lawsuit. The lawsuit was initially filed in 2023 by 33 U.S. states claiming the world’s biggest social media giant was violating the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The Facebook lawsuit is another one bringing negative attention for Meta.
Fast forward to 2024 and Meta will finally face the music. Reuters reports that Instagram’s parent company must defend itself in a lawsuit brought forward by Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell.
Meta initially denied that it designed features on Instagram and Facebook to addict young users. A judge ruled against the company’s request to dismiss the claims.
TorHoerman Law adds that internal research conducted by Meta proved how its social media platforms affect the mental health of the users. However, it still failed to implement any tangible measures to address the concern.
Call for Meaningful Change
Thousands of parents and caregivers are breathing a sigh of relief following the Massachusetts ruling.
The social media addiction lawsuit further points to the dark side of exposing teens to the internet. More than 600 lawsuits are being pursued via the federal court system and the number could soon grow.
Though each of the claims is similar, there’s a common thread running through all of them – a youth mental health crisis.
An international study found that there’s been a sharp rise in what it calls “problematic” social media behavior among teens since the pandemic. In light of the findings, researchers have raised urgent concerns about the impact of digital technology on the mental health and well-being of the youth.
The New Yorker recently reported on a possible link between social media use and teen suicide rates. The publication states that 53% of Americans believe that social media is partly or fully responsible for the rise in teen depression.
Coupled with various studies done over the years, policymakers and concerned parents are demanding change. If reform were to occur, what would this spell for Meta and other social media platforms?
Current Social Media Regulations
New York passed two new state laws on “addictive” social media feeds for kids. Starting next year, the legislation will force apps like TikTok and Instagram to seek parental consent before children under 18 can use them.
Tech giants will no longer be allowed to tailor content according to a user’s “likes” and apps will be prevented from sending notifications to kids between midnight and 6 am.
Probably the most important legislation; the New York Child Data Protection Act limits the data social media companies collect about their users.
What Social Media Experts Say
Legislative interventions like the SAFE Act sound like the perfect solution. However, social media experts aren’t as convinced.
They tell the BBC that it could be a step back in addressing the real dangers of social media like privacy violations and illegal content. Others have welcomed the changes and say big tech will be forced to clean up its algorithms.
The Hill argues that lawmakers should make it compulsory for all social media platforms to adopt design strategies that will be beneficial and feasible.
The news outlet adds that suggesting a full TikTok ban or “teen accounts” on Instagram is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, regulatory agencies should mandate certain design features while prohibiting others.
The LA Times agrees. It says a national agency must regulate U.S. technology companies. By creating an independent authority with the power to enforce rules, social media platforms are forced to comply. Non-compliant companies will be investigated.
As the Meta lawsuit kicks into gear, the company denies any wrongdoing and insists the “evidence will demonstrate our commitment to supporting young people.”
Should the case not end in its favor, Meta will be obligated to clean its house and plug critical online safety gaps. Most of all, it has to be accountable for its actions or lack thereof instead of shifting the blame to parents and governments.
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